A Special Week - Just for Volunteers!

As the 2010 National Volunteer Week, April 18-24, comes to a close, it is nice to look back to see how counties have recognized those that put their time and effort into helping Iowa’s youth. These volunteers give to 4-H all year long, and it is great to have a week dedicated to their hard work.

Here are a few counties that have made the extra effort to show their volunteer appreciation:

With a “driving” theme, Muscatine County handed out cards at a recent leader’s training. “Thank you for Driving Muscatine County 4-H Youth to a Successful Future!” was written on the front, with 4-H member’s individual impact statements on the inside. The county also included a $5 gas card to fit the theme. Some quotes found in the card were:

“My 4-H leader helps me to work towards my goals, learn how to write presentations/other communication, and to learn how to contribute to my community.”

“Our leaders make meetings fun and educational.”

“[Leaders] have shown me to grow as an individual and build great character.”

“I’m really glad that our club leaders are there for us, they guide us and help us have fun at meetings. If our volunteers weren’t there, 4-H might not continue.”

Cedar County handed out reusable 4-H bags with 4-H goodies at their leader’s training, along with a personal note from the county CYC in local papers. Guthrie County sent out a note of appreciation, along with a package of flower seeds.

In Linn County, official “Linn County 4-H Volunteer” vehicle window clings were given as a token of gratitude. The clings were sent home with each volunteer at the 4-H Leader Meeting and Training, along with a card that read, “Thanks for sticking with us!”

Monroe County’s Junior 4-H Youth Council met after school and helped prepare food, create placemats and purchase flowers to present to each leader during their Spring Leader’s Training. The 4-H’ers saw it as a great way to personally acknowledge the leaders who have given their time and talents each year.

There are so many ways to give back to Iowa 4-H. Be a 4-H leader, donate to the program or simply take the time to help 4-H youth in need.
Let’s continue our motto... “To make the best, better!”

Many counties recognized their volunteers during National Volunteer Week. Have a story you'd like to share? We want to hear it!

2010 “Stitch This!” Competition Collides Dresses and Denim!

The second annual “Stitch This!” competition will be Aug. 20-21 at the 2010 Iowa State Fair. This year 13 teams of high school students will be invited to unite old prom dresses and blue jeans in a 16-hour fashion design competition.

“Last year ‘Stitch This!’ rejuvenated the 4-H clothing event and provided excitement for many who saw and heard about the event,” said Shelly Greving, marketing coordinator of the Iowa State University Extension 4-H Youth Development Program. “People couldn’t wait to see what the teams came up with and this year we hope to expand on that excitement.”

All Iowa high school-age youth are eligible to compete in teams of four. Youth can apply online with a written and video application. Past video applications can be seen at: www.youtube.com/iowa4h. Applications are due June 1.

“We are excited to have VF Outlets participate this year,” said Greving.

VF Outlets is collecting the jeans to be used in the “Stitch This!” competition. Through the month of April, the stores will collect used jeans from consumers in exchange for a 20 percent off coupon. VF Outlets have two Iowa locations in Story City and Williamsburg.

VF Outlet stores are also participating in the National 4-H Paper Clover Campaign along with Tractor Supply Company stores throughout Iowa. The National 4-H Paper Clover Campaign is an in-store fundraising effort to support state and local Iowa State University Extension 4-H Youth Development programs. Shoppers at the two companies will have the opportunity to support local 4-H youth by purchasing paper clovers for $1 at checkout. All funds raised will be donated to 4-H, and will support camps, after-school programs and other 4-H youth development program activities.

“We see ‘Stitch This!’ as an opportunity to unite the fashion industry in Iowa with our youth,” said Greving. “We are currently exploring additional premier sponsorship opportunities for events.”

“Stitch This!” also is uniting with Iowa State University College of Human Sciences to offer $500 scholarships to the grand-prize winning team again in 2010.

“I am so excited to start planning the ‘Stitch This!’ event that will enrich the skills and workmanship of high school students,” said Kelsey Leighton, the State Fair 4-H clothing intern. “This unique event gives a wholesome and rewarding experience to participants with real world fashion experience from all aspects of the industry.

“With ‘Stitch This!’ I hope to expand interest in fashion and design in Iowa,” said Leighton, a student at Iowa State University majoring in apparel merchandising, design and production, a program that ranks top three in the nation.

Learn more about the event, and apply to be involved!

Support Iowa 4-H with a Text!

Now you have an exciting, new way to be a part of 4-H’s success! During the month of April, join 4-H’s Give2Vote Challenge by texting CLOVER to 50555 to give $10 in support of 4-H in your state. You can also take the Challenge by making a secure online donation at 4-H.org to benefit your state 4-H program.

When you give, you vote! Each $10 mobile gift or online donation counts as one “vote” towards Iowa 4-H. The state with the most “votes” at the end of the Challenge receives an additional $5,000. So let's let that be Iowa!! Voting ends April 30th, so don't delay and vote today.

Share this on Facebook, Twitter and e-mail it to all your friends. The fun and easy challenge is a great way to show your Iowa 4-H pride!